SSI Shares the Best Places to Dive in August
August 23, 2023
August is a month filled with adventure and fantastic diving opportunities around the world. As the summer season reaches its peak, scuba enthusiasts can explore unique underwater ecosystems, encounter diverse marine life, and immerse themselves in captivating dive sites.
Since August is one of the most popular dive travel months, we will unveil some of the best places to dive in August that are more remote and less crowded. Let’s dive into these hidden gems that promise unforgettable experiences and pristine conditions beneath the waves.
1. Guadalupe, Mexico
Guadalupe Island, located off the western coast of Mexico, offers one of the world’s most thrilling dive experiences during August - cage diving with great white sharks. This area becomes a breeding ground for great whites, making Guadalupe Island one of the world’s premier locations for up-close encounters with these majestic predators.
The crystal-clear visibility during August allows divers to witness the impressive size and power of these magnificent creatures as they gracefully glide through the deep blue waters. With thrilling cage diving opportunities and abundant marine life, including various species of sharks and other pelagics, Guadalupe Island is one of the best places to dive in August and guarantees an extraordinary, adrenaline-filled diving experience you will never forget. Click here to learn more about diving Guadalupe Island from SSI’s MyDiveGuide.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Another one of the best places to dive in August while staying off the beaten path is Bali. This Indonesian paradise offers unparalleled underwater experiences thanks to fantastic weather and water conditions during this time of year. August marks the dry season in Bali, bringing clear blue skies and calm seas, resulting in excellent visibility that fully immerses divers in the vibrant marine world below.
In addition to these ideal conditions, divers come to Bali in August to witness the ever-elusive Mola Mola, also known as sunfish. The quiet island of Nusa Penida between Bali and Lombok is the best area to find these large, exciting fish. Click here to learn about the Crystal Bay dive site, the local’s best-kept secret to discovering Mola Mola.
3. The Azores
Scuba diving in the Azores is an unparalleled experience that will leave divers in awe of its natural wonders. This archipelago’s crystal-clear waters make Portugal’s Azores one of the world’s best places to dive in August. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, August brings the warmest waters, calmest seas, and best visibility of the year. Divers can fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and diverse marine life that call the Azores home.
August is also the peak season for encounters with majestic marine species, including playful dolphins, graceful mantas, and even the awe-inspiring presence of migrating blue and whale sharks. The Azores’ unique volcanic rock formations create an otherworldly underwater environment, and abundant marine life guarantees unforgettable encounters with various fish species, rays, and turtles. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, the Azores’ August diving opportunities promise a captivating journey into the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, offering a diving experience that is both thrilling and unforgettable.
4. South Australia
If you’re looking to really beat the crowds and find one of the world’s least known but best places to dive in August, look no further than Whyalla, Australia. This small port town in South Australia offers a unique dive experience you can only find during August when the giant Australian cuttlefish congregate here by the thousands. These remarkable creatures gather here in shallow waters off the coast every year to breed and lay their eggs.
August marks the peak of their annual migration, making it the best time to encounter these intelligent, color-changing cephalopods in their natural habitat. Braving the chilly water temperatures is well worth the reward of witnessing mesmerizing courtship displays and intricate color patterns as the cuttlefish engage in mating dances. With its unique marine encounters and stunning underwater landscapes, scuba diving in South Australia during August promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for divers of all levels.
5. Moorea, French Polynesia
The romantic island of Moorea in French Polynesia is not only one of the best places to dive in August, but it also offers fantastic top-side attractions. Pristine white sand beaches, clear azure-blue water, and friendly locals make Moorea a dream destination. Scuba diving in Moorea during August is an unparalleled adventure, offering divers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the magnificent migration of humpback whales.
August marks the peak of humpback whale season in the waters surrounding Moorea as these majestic creatures make their way to the warm South Pacific to breed and give birth. Divers can experience the thrill of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat, hearing their haunting songs, and witnessing their impressive acrobatics both above and below the water. Swimming alongside these massive mammals is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Learn more about visiting Moorea on SSI’s MyDiveGuide here.
The month of August offers a diverse array of remarkable diving destinations that cater to every diver’s dream. From the thrill of encountering giant Australian cuttlefish in South Australia to witnessing the mesmerizing migration of humpback whales in Moorea, it is easy to get off the beaten path while still visiting some of the best places to dive in August. So, gear up and immerse yourself in the magic of these world-class diving destinations during this remarkable month of exploration and discovery. Happy diving!